Dealing with students who shift blame to others
What are some strategies you use in dealing with students who always blame others for their lack of success?
If you show a student that you sincerely care, it becomes easier to hold them accountable. The student needs to know you are in their corner and then you can motivate them to take positive action instead of pointing the finger.
I agree, this is a good idea I haven't had to try this yet.
Listen and then ask what the student could possible do differently
Establishing clear guidelines and deadlines for each assignment is helpful as well as having clear grading rubrics in place.
It is also helpful to underscore that it is the student's responsibility to complete their work and if problems arise, I as them to create a back up plan for success.
Whenever I have a group project, I give each person in the group an evaluation sheet so that they can grade each other. I let them know that their opinions of each other will factor into their overall grade. When they know that their friends are going to be grading them, they tend to try a little harder, especially when one of the questions asks what percentage of the success was attributed to their personal efforts.
Have a sit down discussion to find out what the true issue is. Often it is that the student is not supported at home and the one that is relied on to provide for the family. I had a student who was the taxi for his family, we discussed ways he could meet their needs and still complete assignments. Solution was that the family member was the one who began wainting for the ride when the convenence was altered family members began scheduling the need ride to work around the students schedule. He began to recover from poor performance.
Make them give examples of why they blame others and tell them they are responsible for their actions.
I incorporate character education in all courses I teach due to my background in martial arts instruction. Basic principles such as self-control, courtesy, perseverance and integrity are universal. When I taught younger students, these concepts had to be explained and repeated on a regularly basis. With adult students, I make my expectations clear. Blaming others is the same as not taking responsibility for oneself and involves integrity. I want the students to know that if they adhere to these principles and deal with me and fellow students in a courteous and direct fashion, they will do just fine.
Hi Latasha,
Yes! Life happens with us all! Students have to learn to deal with things as they come and not give up on school.
Patricia Scales
Ask all the students to write down different goals that they set for themselves that they have not achieved. Then I'll ask, them a series of questions about them, such as, "Why Not?" "Who caused this issue that made you stop persuing your goal?" I then let the students know that even though there are outside forces that can change the course of your life, its ultimately up to you to remain focused and on course.
Point out a solution they could have had to each problem. Emphasis on planning work ahead often helps the student improve their time management, often fixing the problem.
I use motivational interviewing strategies to explore their interpretation of the situation and what they believe the problems are. I use open ended questions to identify barriers they have experienced and use reflective listening to express empathy for their situation. I end by having the student identify their motivation for taking the class, what is it they want to get out of it? Then I help them identify strategies that will help them meet thier goal.
I generally ask the student, how not taking responsibility has worked for them in the past. What positive outcome, if any has resulted? I give them examples of famous whistleblowers or someone who took on great responsibilities usually at great peril for their personal safety.
Hi Nick,
Students need to know that they are responsible for their actions or lack there of. Our students have to learn that they are to do what is expected of them. Let's hold our students accountable and work with them not on shifting the blame to others.
Patricia Scales
Hi Daniel,
Students have to realize that they are accountable and dependent upon. In the workplace the employer is going to expect them as employees to pull their weight.
Patricia Scales
I would have a one on one with that particular student in hopes to learn why they are shifting the blame onto others instead of holding themselves accountable. In my opinion, the student would most likely shift the blame when he or she are to embarrassed to admit failure or that they made a mistake. In situations like this, I notice that students will answer questions wrongly simply because they are second guessing themselves or because they are over thinking the question. I would say at this point I would start at trying to build confidence in said student and really try to re-align his focus on the positives and not so much the negatives.
One of the most effective strategies has been the use of group assignments which was discussed in the lesson. If the student does not their part the group as a whole cannot continue with the assignment, this puts the responsibility on the student. Talking with the student is also helpful and it gives insight into what motivates the student and gives ideas on how an instructor can use the discussion to develop a plan the student can use to complete their work.
Accountability. Not allowing blame shifting. I try to get them to focus on & own behaviors that impede or prevent their success. Encouraging them to implement things that will change unproductive behavior.
Hi April,
I like the idea of requesting steps to meet their goals. We must do what we can to hold students accountable for their action.
Patricia Scales
